ountry's number one job portal -Bdjobs.com has secured foreign investment from an Australian company-SEEK.COM-to widen the former's services.
The Australian- based company has bought 25 per cent stake of Bdjobs.com at a cost of US$ 5.0 million, said Fahim Mashroor, founder and chief executive officer of the Bdjobs.com at a press conference in the city Tuesday.
He mentioned that Bdjobs.com has been valued at US$ 20 million, the highest so far by any Bangladesh- owned Internet company.
SEEK, established in 1997, is Australia's number one jobs site. It has operation in Brazil, Mexico, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Africa. The market value of the company is 5.5 billion dollars.
Bangladesh's IT sector is increasingly becoming an attraction for global companies. Last year, global IT firm Accenture bought 51 per cent stake in GPIT, an IT wing of the country's top mobile operator Grameenphone, at US$10 million.
Mr Mashroor informed the media that SEEK will help Bdjobs.com in further development of its services for the job seekers and employers. The experience of SEEK in few of the world's largest employment markets will help Bdjobs.com job seekers and employers connecting each other.
Talking about its further service, Bdjobs' CEO said his company has much opportunity to work deeply between employees and employers as matchmaker instead of only posting advertisement for employment.
He also added that the work of matchmaking will be easier for them following direct knowledge of the Australian company that has vast experience on the issue.
Addressing through a video call from Australia, Managing Director of SEEK International Ltd Jason Lenga said the country has bright prospect for online- based business where Bdjobs.com is potential as the employment marketplace.
He said his company has a long term plan to invest in the country to increase business collaboration.
Bdjobs Chairman Ahmad Islam Muqsit and Director Mr. Masumul Haque Shiblee were also present at the press conference.
Source:The Financial Express
